NORTHRBRIDGE – Marty Green, a Democrat from Northbridge, announced on Monday that he will be running for the 9th Worcester District House of Representatives seat formerly held by George Peterson.

Peterson, R-Grafton, announced earlier this month that he will not seek re-election. His longtime aide, David Muradian, has also announced his intention to run for the seat, which covers Grafton, Northbridge and Upton. Muradian, a Grafton resident, is running as a Republican.

“It’s all about timing,” said Green of his decision to run. He said he wouldn’t have run against Peterson, who he said is a friend of his. “I’ve always had an interest in doing public service again.”

Green served as a selectman in Northbridge from 1992 to 1995.

“I understand how difficult it is for our towns to be dealing with a lack of funding for our roads and for our schools,” Green said.

He also worked as the executive director and economic development director for the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce from 1995 to 2005, a role he considers to be of public service.

“As a chamber executive, I worked every day with small business people, community leaders, and political leaders at the state, federal and local levels on promoting development,” Green said.

Green, who owns his own real estate and property management company, said he’ll act as a “pro-business Democrat” if elected.

“I believe I can bring a pro, realistic business approach to the Democratic party,” Green said. “I understand the issue of a small business party. I’m going to bring a voice to the party that we need to listen to the business community and be practical about how and where we’re going to be involved.”

Green has lived in Northbridge for most of his life and still lives there with his wife Maura and his two college-aged children, Sadie and Jack. He graduated from Northbridge High School and also has a bachelor of arts degree in Urban Studies from Worcester State University, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Framingham State University.

Peterson held the 9th Worcester District seat for nearly 20 years.

Contact Lindsay Corcoran at 508-634-7582 or lcorcoran@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @LacorcMDN.